EdgeRouter X: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2023-2374 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in EdgeRouter X from Ubiquiti, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected EdgeRouter X versions: 2.0.9-hotfix.0; 2.0.9-hotfix.1; 2.0.9-hotfix.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 6.86% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 5.86% of all scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Er-x Firmware to 2.0.9 or a later version.
- Update Er-x-sfp Firmware to 2.0.9 or a later version.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti | EdgeRouter X | 2.0.9-hotfix.0; 2.0.9-hotfix.1; 2.0.9-hotfix.2; 2.0.9-hotfix.3; 2.0.9-hotfix.4; 2.0.9-hotfix.5; 2.0.9-hotfix.6 | Not stated |
| UI | Er-x Firmware | before 2.0.9; 2.0.9 | 2.0.9 |
| UI | Er-x-sfp Firmware | before 2.0.9; 2.0.9 | 2.0.9 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.3 | High | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 8.3 | High | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A security flaw has been discovered in Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X up to 2.0.9-hotfix.6. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Web Management Interface. Performing a manipulation of the argument ecn-down results in command injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks. The existence of this vulnerability is still disputed at present. The vendor position is that post-authentication issues are not accepted as vulnerabilities.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.227650Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory
- vuldb.com/?id.227650Third Party Advisory
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/leetsun/IoT/tree/main/EdgeRouterX/CI/6Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in EdgeRouter X
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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